It is interesting how feet and their owners (especially women), have a love-hate relationship. Women will go to pedicurists weekly to beautify their feet, but when it comes time to choose sensible shoes, they are their feet’s biggest enemies. What appeals to the buyer, is the highest heel, the narrowest toe, the flimsiest strap or the tightest shoe which makes the foot look small.
Women’s shoes are glamourous and stylish, but they also cause ankle sprains, bunions and a slew of foot and ankle problems. If the back of the shoe is high, it inevitably leaves a bony protrusion on the back of the heel, also referred to as a ‘pump bump’. If the heel is extra high, the stress is on the ball of the foot which can lead to hairline fractures, twisted ankles and torn ligaments.
“Low heels are comfortable, but not as attractive” is a common excuse amongst the ladies. However, ballet shoes despite being low, damage the feet to a great extent. With no support for the arch, problems in the knee, hip and back begin to bother the wearer. Flip-flops are similar to ballet shoes plus they offer no protection to the feet. Diabetics especially, should refrain from slipping them on, as exposed feet can get cut and scraped easily.
Biomechanics of walking entails the natural bending of the foot, but platform heels and wedges have rigid bases which do not allow for that. Very pointed shoes which look most elegant at an opera or a dance, are paramount in destroying the shape of the toes and the nails. Women compromise their feet by wearing small sized shoes risking foot deformities.
Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, our board certified podiatrist is an expert in all pedal problems and specializes in foot and ankle surgery. His excellent advice on proper footwear may be followed online on our comprehensive website, or if you happen to have complications stemming from wearing improper shoes, please visit Syracuse Podiatry, located in Fayetteville, NY in the Syracuse area.
Dr. D’Amico has some great suggestions, which if followed, can help avoid most foot problems.
- Heels should be a maximum of two inches
- Heel and toe box should fit correctly
- Shoes should be cushioned to support the foot well
- A padded heel counter is a must.
- Heels should not be worn more than three hours in the day